Life and Libertine

Gillian Loney

LOVE or loathe Pete Doherty — there are few music fans unaware of him at least.

Kate Moss’s wayward ex made his name — and some would say the height of his fame — in short-lived but well-received band The Libertines, alongside estranged friend Carl Barat.

The self-titled second album, released in 2004, is perhaps their best known, with songs like Can’t Stand Me Now making it in the mainstream chart as well.

But despite the success, The Libertines strained under the pressure of the frontman’s drug addiction, and split by the end of the year, each going on to form their own acts – Babyshambles for Doherty, Dirty Pretty Things for Barat.

The band may have reformed in 2010 for a series of gigs, but fans will be disappointed (if unsurprised) to hear that this week’s preview is not for a live show.

Instead, the group are the subject of a new documentary by photographer turned filmmaker Roger Sargent, being screened this Friday at the O2 ABC.

The Libertines: There Are No Innocent Bystanders offers an intimate look at the 2010 reunion, including festival slots at Reading and Leeds.

The filmmaker attributes his work to his relationship with the band, developed while working with them throughout their ups and downs – and his documentary attempts to use this knowledge to explore their clashing personalities and the relationships between them.

n Screening at the O2 ABC on Friday, April 27 (rescheduled from March 24). Doors open 7pm, show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets £7, available from www.ticketweb.co.uk — original tickets still valid.

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